Boost Your Energy Levels

vitamins to the rescue

Many vitamins are known to increase metabolism, boost the immune system and increase the overall energy supply to the body. For a detailed list of all the existing vitamins out there, refer to my previous article, Are Vitamins Really Necessary? Here's a quick recap of the specific ones that contribute to energy boosts:

2. Vitamin EVitamin E can be found in foods such as almonds, peanuts, pecans, and canola oil. It helps in the digestion and metabolism of certain fats, and it promotes the growth and development of muscle tissue. It also decreases blood clot formations, thus reducing the chance of a heart attack.

3. Beta-carotene Carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupes are good dietary sources for beta-carotene. This vitamin boosts your immune system and protects against potential heart disease and stroke.

4. ChromiumChromium is found in wheat germ, dried prunes and American cheeses. It lowers cholesterol, stimulates muscle growth and controls blood sugar levels.

5. SeleniumSelenium can be found in shrimp, lobster, brewer's yeast, whole-grain cereal, and breads. It boosts your immune system while protecting against heart disease, stroke and several forms of cancer.

unconventional energy boosters

Here are a few traditional energy-boosting remedies:

1. Ginseng and Siberian ginseng These are by far some of the most popular energy boosters available on the market. It's not surprising though; these two forms of ginseng have been used for millennia to cure several types of ailments and boost energy. No serious side effects have ever been reported due to the regular use of this "natural medicine."

Both forms of ginseng increase energy levels when you are physically and mentally exhausted, stressed, diabetic, sluggish, fatigued or when you feel sick. Siberian ginseng also helps tune your concentration and mental alertness, and it's known to improve athletic performance.

2. Gingko biloba Although Gingko is well-known for improving cognitive functions and memory, it also helps those who have poor blood circulation, and any other vascular disease. As a side note, it's also great for overcoming impotence.

3. St. John's wort If you're feeling depressed or you think you have the flu, take this disgusting-sounding natural product. St. John's wort helps alleviate depression and is also known as an antiviral agent.

meditation for energy

I have discussed ways to relieve tension and pent-up energy through meditation in previous articles, but there are also ways to bring back that energy when you need it.

First off, meditation is a tool that utilizes visualization, which is the key to boosting energy levels. To begin, you need to close your eyes and focus on calming down. Once you have reached this state, blank out your mind and start breathing deeply.

Finally, begin visualizing an energy source entering your body and filling you up from head to toe. Do this for a couple of minutes, always repeating the image, and you'll notice a fresh new change in your activity level when it's over. After opening your eyes, get up slowly and go for a jog or a walk. You could alternatively call some friends and go out on the town.

energy for everyone

Our daily grind can take a lot out of us; leaving a heap of flab on the couch in its wake. If we want to have the energy to live, we must take up the arms required to do battle. We must make a choice and be proactive in achieving higher energy levels. Try some of the tips that I've outlined here and I'm sure that you'll see a marked improvement in your energy. Most importantly, have fun with your body and give it the energy and nutrients it requires.